British government threatened over 'amnesty'

The British government was threatened with legal action today if it decided to grant an amnesty to ‘‘on the run’’ paramilitaries.

A Northern Ireland group representing families who have been victims of republican violence, said it would fight any amnesty all the way to the European Court.

Families Acting for Innocent Victims was today due to lobby British MPs at Westminster to voice their opposition to a move which they say could remove the threat of arrest and charge against up to 500 republicans.

Speaking for the group, William Frazer said: ‘‘We intend to tell the government that we will challenge the decision if they go ahead and give an amnesty.

‘‘We will fight them in the courts, first in the British courts.

‘‘If we don’t get justice there we will go to Europe and fight them in the courts in Europe,’’ he said.